Shipping can be a pain, whether you’re sending a package to a friend or trying to get your online orders delivered as quickly as possible. But there are a few tricks you can use to make the process a whole lot easier. Here are 10 carters shipping hacks you need to know.
Take Advantage of Free Shipping Offers
Many retailers offer free shipping promotions from time to time. These promotions are usually advertised around holidays or other special occasions. If you know you’ll be making a purchase from a particular store, wait for a free shipping promotion before placing your order.
Check Shipping Policies Before You Buy
This is the most important shipping hack of all. Before you add anything to your online shopping cart, take a quick look at the retailer’s shipping policy. Some stores offer free shipping on all orders, while others have a minimum purchase amount that you need to reach to get free shipping. And then there are those stores that charge for shipping no matter what.
Compare Shipping Costs
If you’re ordering from multiple stores, take a few minutes to compare shipping costs before you decide which one to buy from. The last thing you want is to be surprised by a high shipping bill after you’ve already placed your order.
Use a Shipping Calculator
If you’re not sure how much it will cost to ship your package, use a shipping calculator like the one offered by UPS. Just enter the dimensions of your package and the calculator will give you a estimate of the shipping costs.
Get a Shipping Quote in Advance
If you’re shipping something large or heavy, it’s a good idea to get a shipping quote in advance. That way, you’ll know exactly how much it will cost to ship your package and you can budget accordingly.
Use Flat Rate Shipping
If you’re shipping a small package, flat rate shipping is usually the cheapest option. With flat rate shipping, you pay a set price regardless of the weight or size of your package.
Join a Shipping Discount Program
If you ship packages frequently, consider joining a shipping discount program like UPS My Choice or FedEx Advantage. These programs offer discounts on shipping rates, as well as other benefits like free package pickup and delivery alerts.
Use Your Employer’s Shipping Discount
If your employer offers a shipping discount, be sure to take advantage of it. Many employers have arrangements with UPS and FedEx that offer their employees discounted shipping rates.
Ship to a Store Instead of a Home Address
If you’re ordering something online, see if the retailer offers the option to ship your order to a store instead of a home address. In many cases, this will be cheaper than shipping to your home.
Use a Shipping Service With Free Tracking
When you’re shipping a package, be sure to use a shipping service that offers free tracking. That way, you’ll be able to keep tabs on your package and make sure it gets delivered to the right address.
